Apple today updated the iMac with fourth generation Intel quad-core Haswell processors, new graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage options. According to the company, the updated iMac brings the latest technology to the stunningly thin design and gorgeous display of the world's leading all-in-one desktop.

"iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage."

The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance. The high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation. Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory.

The new iMac also supports next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi. When connected to an 802.11ac base station, iMac delivers wireless performance that is up to three times faster than the previous generation.

The updated iMac now features support for PCIe-based flash storage that makes Fusion Drive and all-flash storage options up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation. The popular Fusion Drive option combines the large storage capacity of a hard drive with the high performance of flash to deliver shorter boot times and faster access to apps and files. Customers can configure their iMac with a 1TB or 3TB Fusion Drive, and all-flash storage options are now available in configurations up to 1TB.

The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz and Intel Iris Pro for a suggested retail price of $1,299 ; and with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M for a suggested retail price of $1,499. The 27-inch iMac is available with a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 755M for a suggested retail price of $1,799; and with a 3.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M for a suggested retail price of $1,999.

I was hoping the new iMacs might include a retina display. Looks like it will be at least another year on that front.

I would venture that it would be an incredibly expensive option at this point, and for the those that sit a normal distance from their monitors, unnecessary. Guessing it could be longer than a year._________________2.3 GHz i7 Mini (stock)
2.6 GHz i7 Mini, Samsung 830 & Hitachi
15" 2.3 GHz i7 MBP, Samsung 840 & WD Black
3.5GHz 6C MP, D700s

Any thoughts on waiting for Mavericks? I would say there's a good chance of it coming in October. It also gives you time to filter out any early issues with the hardware.

It does look like a nice update.

I personally don't care if the iMacs ship with Mavericks or not. In fact, I prefer to have them ship with Mountain Lion, then make a bootable clone of the Mountain Lion disk. Then if Mavericks has issues you can always revert back to Mountain Lion or run both.

I personally don't care if the iMacs ship with Mavericks or not. In fact, I prefer to have them ship with Mountain Lion, then make a bootable clone of the Mountain Lion disk. Then if Mavericks has issues you can always revert back to Mountain Lion or run both.

I agree, if you buy at the right time and you get two OS's and the option to use either. _________________Phil